Distributors try to keep up with high propane demand

WAUSAU (WAOW) -
Distributors say the propane shortage is the worst they've ever seen. They say frigid temperatures, a temporary pipeline closing and a high demand to dry grain are to blame.

Managers at Lake's Gas in Wausau say prices have doubled. They jumped from around $2 a gallon to more than $4. Managers say the most they can give customers is 200 gallons. They say as the shortage continues, customers are getting angrier.

"The prices are double than what they're used to,” said Jim Winch, the branch manager at Lake's Gas. “So they'd get half of what they'd normally get for the same price, but there's nothing we can do. So they have to pay what they have to pay and everyone will adjust."

Managers say drivers also have to work more than 12 hours a day trying to keep up. They say drivers now have to fill tanks every four to six weeks to heat customer's homes.

Managers at Lake's advise customers to try and use other sources of energy. They say wood and electricity are good sources to use as this propane crisis continues.